What are some interesting facts about caribou?

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Caribou are more commonly known as reindeer. They reside in Europe, North America, Greenland and Asia. Caribou are herbivores, and adult caribou can eat up to 12 pounds of food per day. Caribou can weigh anywhere from 240 to 700 pounds.

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Caribou have big hooves and a heavy coat of fur to help them survive in their preferred climates. Both male and female caribou can grow antlers, which is different from any other type of deer. Males use their antlers against other males to compete for females during mating season. Antlers are also used for turning over snow when looking for food. Male antlers shed after mating season, and female antlers shed after the female gives birth.

Female caribou are pregnant for about 7.5 months, and the baby caribou is able to stand and run within a day of being born. Adult caribou can reach speeds of 50 miles per hour and journey up to 3,000 miles per year. Most caribou travel together in herds and migrate together. Although caribou are fast and travel in a herd, their predators, such as wolves and bears, are still able to catch their prey. Caribou live an average of 4.5 years in the wild and are considered an endangered species.